The Pune Grand Tour 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark event in world cycling. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi said the race will feature an unprecedented 171 riders, making it the largest UCI 2.2 category cycling event ever held globally. Most races at this level are limited to around 125 riders, with the previous record standing at 144.
Calling it a historic moment for both Pune and Indian cycling, Dudi highlighted that this will be India’s first-ever UCI 2.2 multi-stage international race. Scheduled from January 19 to 23, the five-day men’s Continental event will see cyclists from 35 countries across five continents compete over 437 kilometres, including a prologue and four stages. Six Indian cyclists, picked based on their performances at the recent National Championships, will line up alongside teams from some of the world’s strongest cycling nations, including France, Great Britain, Belgium, Germany, Australia, and the Netherlands.
The Pune Grand Tour 2026 will be run across four distinct stages, each presenting its own challenge. The race begins with the Mulshi–Maval Miles (91.8 km), a fast and technical opener through Hinjewadi. From there, the race moves into tougher terrain with the Maratha Heritage Circuit (109.15 km), where riders will take on demanding climbs around Purandar Fort, Sinhagad, and the picturesque Khadakwasla Lake.
The toughest challenge follows in the Western Ghats Gateway (137.07 km). Being the longest day of racing, the Purandar-to-Baramati stage is likely to be run at high speed and could play a key role in deciding the final standings.
The race will wrap up with the Pune Pride Loop (99.15 km), a scenic final stage that winds through Pune’s historic core, passing landmarks such as Shaniwar Wada before the finish.
Backed by the Pune District Administration and the Maharashtra Government, the event is being hailed as a proud moment for Indian cycling. Officials say Pune is working to reclaim its identity as India’s “Cycle Capital,” while discussions are ongoing with civic bodies to manage air quality and reduce pollution during the race.
